Apr 16, 2015
Postcards: Schloss Heidelberg (DE)
The ruins of the Heidelberg Castle perched romantically to overlook the Altstadt, surrounded by forest and park. First built in the 1200s and successively expanded by Palatine prince electors, it was through French hands that it fell rather thoroughly in the late 1600s, burned and blown up during the course of the Nine Years War. Subsequent attempts to reconstruct the castle was hampered by financial difficulties and fires caused by lightning strikes, the latter taken as an omen from heaven that the Palatine court should not return to Heidelberg Castle. And thus, a well-loved ruin is born, no doubt helped by beautiful descriptions written by Victor Hugo and Mark Twain, among others.
It is very easy to walk up to the castle that stands at only some 80m above the town, although a funicular service is also available and its price included in the entry ticket, along with entry to the Apothecary Museum and the large wine urn. Guided tour of the castle requires separate ticket to be purchased but it is a good way to learn some of the history of the castle and the Palatines, not to mention getting access to rooms that are not usually publicly accessible (and photography forbidden). The Hortus Palatinus is no longer the garden it used to be and is free to visit, but due to time constraint, I barely saw a small part of it before I had to leave.
2nd photo thumbs up :)
It’s such a romantic place to photograph ;)